FreshScent

Hi everybody! Just looking to upgrade my home entertainment system (well, get it started, really) but I'm not really a technology guy. I've been looking at Universal Remotes ever since my DVD remote broke on me, but now it's time to get to the big stuff. TV's. With all the new stuff out there, I'm as confused as ever. What is the difference between an LCD vs. a plasma screen. And also, just how expensive are these TVs? The only thing I know for sure is that I don't want anything under 32"

tater03

I wish I could help you more on this one. But the only thing that I have really seen looking around is that more people seem to think that the LCD tv's are going to be the bigger thing. I find it all so confusing myself. That is really why I have not myself looked into buying a new tv as of yet.

Commonmind

Ok, I'll try and keep this quick and informative, without boring you with all the technological jargon. There are advantages and disadvantages to each. While they are both flat-panel displays, LCD's tend to be lighter and brighter and are not susceptible to burn in, while plasmas have been the leader when it comes to contrast ratios, color fidelity (though that is subjective, and depends on the viewing area) and refresh rates. The gap between each technology's pros and cons lessens as time goes on, however, so your decision making process was not as easy as it once was. In the past it was a matter of asking yourself a few questions. Want a larger display? Plasma. Want a brighter image? LCD. Want richer blacks? Plasma. Want a display to double as a PC monitor? LCD.

Quite honestly, the consumer is in a harder place when it comes to buying a flat-panel display, as things are not cut and dry anymore. If you're dead set on buying a flat-panel, than I'd say go down to your local electronics store and compare for yourself, side-by-side. My advice, however, is to stay away from flat-panels altogether. There are displays out there that are cheaper, have arguably better image quality, and are almost, but not quite, thin enough to be wall-mountable. Sony's SXRD (LCoS) line of displays are fantastic; Samsung's and Mitsubishi's range of DLP's is also a great choice; and JVC's HD-ILA displays are equally as impressive.

I'd personally recommend Samsung's (DLP) HL-S5688W

BestBuyPlasma.com | SAMSUNG HL-S5688W 56-IN Widescreen DLP HDTV with 1080p Resolution

or, the display I own myself: The Sony (SXRD) KDS60A2000

BestBuyPlasma.com | SONY KDS-60A2000 60-IN Grand WEGA SXRD Rear Projection HDTV

Both have much richer blacks than most flat-panel displays and both look fantastic in any home theater environment.

Hope that helps... a bit.

tater03

Thank you, this will help tremendously. Thanks for links. I really had no clue which ones were better. This will help alot.

Commonmind

Anytime

RoxyMoron

I've been thinking about getting a flat tv to save some space in the room and I need a bigger screened tv...this has been helpful but why do you suggest staying away from flat screens?

tater03

I have heard that some flat screens the picture quality is not all that great. Maybe that is why. But I thought it had more to do with the brand you bought rather than they are just all bad.